UNRWA is a vital organization that provides education, health, and aid to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In March 2024, Israel claimed that a significant number of UNRWA employees are members of terrorist organizations but did not provide evidence to support this claim. The Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman accused over 2,135 UNRWA employees of being members of terrorist organizations and called for donors not to give money to UNRWA in Gaza.
The UN Secretary General called for active support for UNRWA from all countries as it is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees. Despite canceling contracts with accused employees, UNRWA is facing challenges related to neutrality due to Israel’s accusations. Sixteen countries suspended or withheld funding for UNRWA following Israel’s allegations.
UNRWA is developing an action plan to address the recommendations of a recent audit. The organization has enough funding to operate until June, but some major donors like the US have suspended funding. The review acknowledged UNRWA’s efforts to maintain neutrality but highlighted ongoing challenges. The head of UNRWA stated that the organization is committed to addressing the recommendations and strengthening its response for the benefit of Palestinian refugees.
